From Bajan to Standard English

“From Bajan to Standard English” was conceived primarily to assist Bajans (Barbadians) in making the transition from Bajan dialect to Standard English.The focus is on areas which are critical to ensuring a satisfactory level of verbal communication. The book exposes the many pitfalls which confront the native speakers of Bajan dialect. It also presents a comprehensive list of pronunciation flaws common among Bajans (e.g. hammersack for haversack; tarpauleon for tarpaulin; cellar phone for cellular phone; windscream for windscreen).“From Bajan to Standard English” has become a hit with Barbadians living abroad. It offers them a nostalgic reminder of the peculiarities of their native tongue. The content affords ‘many a laugh’ as readers reflect on the sometimes hilarious offerings of the dialect: awn-it-do for undo it; ope-it-in for open it; breadfruit prickle for breadfruit pickle; newliform – uniform; frunal – funeral; nuse to do – used to do). “From Bajan to Standard English” is also recommended for persons with a general interest in Bajan dialect and as a resource tool for university students. Read more